Kankakee OKs transitional housing for mentally ill

KANKAKEE — Officials in a northeastern Illinois city have approved the construction of a transitional housing facility for mental illness patients.

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By The Associated Press

The State Journal-Register

By The Associated Press

Posted Aug. 20, 2014 at 6:14 AM

By The Associated Press

Posted Aug. 20, 2014 at 6:14 AM

KANKAKEE — Officials in a northeastern Illinois city have approved the construction of a transitional housing facility for mental illness patients.

The (Kankakee) Daily Journal reports the Kankakee City Council this week unanimously voted in favor of a permit for a 10-room, short-term living facility for people finishing treatment.

Chicago-based organization Thresholds has a psychiatric rehabilitation center in Kankakee. It requested to build a 10,000-square-foot dorm area where people will stay for about 30-60 days but no longer than 90 days.

Council members had previously sent the approval request back to the planning board with questions that slightly delayed the process. Kankakee's mayor has said she values the organization but questions if the housing is needed there.

The facility will have two full-time supervisors for residents and a 10 p.m. curfew.